Last Monday evening Dr Moh Dadfarin, founder and Director of Ear and hearing Australia spoke to us about hearing loss and how it impacts on many aspects of our lives.
Dr Moh advised that hearing is more than ears - it is about the brain. Untreated it can contribute to dementia.
Hearing loss happens to most people as we age. Its start slowly where we miss high pitch sounds. Then it can be harder to hear in group settings and speech can sound muffled.
Over 70% of people over 70 years old have hearing loss. But many don't realise it is happening. as the loss happens slowly and the signs are often dismissed.
Hearing provides the foundation for communication and social functioning. When hearing becomes disrupted then hearing becomes tiring, raises anxiety, work becomes challenging and quality of life decreases with less independence.
Untreated hearing loss increase the risk of dementia by 200 - 500 %. Also hearing loss can cause reduction in the size of the brain assocaied with speech, hearing and memory.
Dr Moh mentioned possible solutions.
Hearing rehabilitation which includes hearing aids, improved sensory input, reduced cognitive load, social engagement and increased physical activity.
Finally Dr Moh mentioned thet appropaite hearing aids can reduce the rate of cognitive decline by 48 %.
Many thanks Dr Moh for a very informative presentation.